“I was never in doubt about what my parents believed, but I also knew they loved me.”. Because the LDS Church teaches that being gay is not a sin, but acting on it is, some Mormon parents decide that, to be faithful, they have to reject their kids in same-sex relationships. Elder D. Todd Christofferson. Todd Christofferson was tapped to speak in a hastily called video interview to explain the move to confused members and a puzzled public. “I think many people are.”. He is the eldest of five boys and was raised in Pleasant Grove and Lindon. Theirs was a joy-filled and satisfying relationship for 19 years, Tom Christofferson recalls, but something was missing. Preparing for the Lord’s Return April 2019. On occasion, Christofferson’s partner tagged along. Christofferson, the 60-year-old gay brother of LDS apostle D. Todd Christofferson, says his parents followed neither course. Still, the ever-optimistic Mormon hoped he and his partner could continue their “emotional relationship,” after giving up a physical one. Elder D. Todd Christofferson. Christofferson, the 60-year-old gay brother of LDS apostle D. Todd Christofferson, says his parents followed neither course. At the time of his call, he was serving in the Presidency of the Seventy. During this period Meg and Jake met Tom Christofferson, brother of Mormon Apostle D. Todd Christofferson. deductible. As the former Mormon continued to attend, he sensed a spiritual awakening he hadn’t known for a long time. No matter how much Tom Christofferson protests that the book covers only his experience, the author’s connection to a top LDS leader and the volume’s publisher, church-owned Deseret Book, make it, to some, quasi-official and give it more weight than other works. Elder D. Todd Christofferson. Elder D. Todd Christofferson: 'The blessing of scripture' - Mormon (Open) LDS Church News ^ | April 3, 2010 Posted on 04/04/2010 5:28:45 PM PDT by Colofornian. He was raised an Episcopalian, who felt Christmas and Easter appearances were enough. Finally, the gay former missionary approached the congregation’s bishop to introduce himself and ask if he would be welcome. Collected Talks of D. Todd Christofferson If you're aware of any talks available online that aren't listed here, please let me know. Faith and family closeness were entwined, each incomplete without the other, he says in an interview. For his part, the author hopes his book has value beyond the message about gays. He is gay, and spent 19 years married to a same-sex partner outside the Church. You know, stick to their standards. Daniel Woodruff: “Members of the LDS Church have been watching this too, around the the country, and it brings up the question as they’re dealing with these issues, maybe within their families, they’re trying to understand how maybe religious freedom applies to them within the church. Study and lesson helps: The Joy of the Saints – D Todd Christofferson. Faith and family closeness were entwined, each incomplete without the other, he says in an interview. It was November … No matter what road a gay Mormon may take, says Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams, family, friends and fellow believers should start with “compassion and understanding.”. David Checketts, the pro sports mogul and then an LDS stake president overseeing a group of congregations in Connecticut, met with the partner to explain why returning to the Mormon fold meant so much to Christofferson. Now as a member in full fellowship, he has shared his story in a desire to … At the time Meg and Jake met Tom he was an excommunicated gay Mormon man living in a committed relationship. Thus began Christofferson’s nearly seven-year sojourn in that East Coast ward, where little by little he became enmeshed in its community of believers — sharing his faith, teaching an occasional lesson, praying at service projects, taking on the role of a beloved uncle to the ward’s children. “This is a story of love for him and his partner and love between those two men, whom I respect and understand,” the former stake president says now. At 19, Christofferson served a two-year Mormon mission, returned and wed a young woman in an LDS temple. Not everyone will meet the belief and behavior standards to enter a Mormon temple, he explains, but “we do want everyone in the chapel.”. Elder D. Todd Christofferson was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 5, 2008. Ultimately, that is precisely what happened. The marriage was annulled after a short while, and he broke the news to his parents. The Christofferson family’s approach to the situation is a pattern for other families with gay children. Brian Dillman and Jerilyn Pool posted a podcast today at Rational Faiths that included an interview with Tom. That certainly was Christofferson’s experience in the New Canaan ward, and it is Larson’s view as well. The book is much broader than one man’s journey, the former bishop writes. Don’t condone sin. He has been a general authority of the church since 1993. “What an important opportunity [a wedding] can be to increase family unity, to show pure love, and to solidify relationships,” he writes. Christofferson, the 60-year-old gay brother of LDS apostle D. Todd Christofferson, says his parents followed neither course. Of course, replied then-Bishop Bruce Larson without hesitation, and bring your partner. Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles In our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity. Also see other collected talks . For his part, the author hopes his book has value beyond the message about gays. Be happy for their happiness. Why can’t you be happy like he is?”, For many LGBTQ individuals, the blogger says, “the church is not a hospitable place, and things will not work out for them the way they did for Christofferson.”. In the meantime, he advises Mormon parents and families to accept the reality of their gay children’s lives and choices. “I was never in doubt about what my parents believed, but I also knew they loved me.”. President Ballard, who turned 91 earlier this month, was joined by fellow apostle, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Katherine. Christofferson describes two kinds of Mormons — temple participants and chapel attendees. Theirs was a joy-filled and satisfying relationship for 19 years, Tom Christofferson recalls, but something was missing. In the early years of the relationship, when Christofferson’s brother, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, was a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and later served in the Presidency of the Seventy, the couple would fly to Utah to be in the Conference Center when he spoke. “This is a story of love for him and his partner and love between those two men, whom I respect and understand,” the former stake president says now. Not everyone will meet the belief and behavior standards to enter a Mormon temple, he explains, but “we do want everyone in the chapel.”. He is also the brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Then, one of the boys pilfered a bar, shoving it in his pocket. Six months after his baptism, Christofferson retired early from his job as an investment banker and moved West, while his partner bought another house in Connecticut. On NPR's RadioWest show with Doug Fabrizio, Tom shared a little of his story as a Mormon, a brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson, and a gay man. It was “pretty much a spiritually prompted no-brainer.”. Courtesy of Visual Resources Library. “His partner was/is a wonderful, talented and kind man,” Larson writes. On NPR's RadioWest show with Doug Fabrizio, Tom shared a little of his story as a Mormon, a brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson, and a gay man. He is a descendant of Hyrum Smith, brother of church founder Joseph Smith, and the grandson of two early 20th-century apostles: Melvin J. Ballard and Hyrum M. Smith. David Checketts, the pro sports mogul and then an LDS stake president overseeing a group of congregations in Connecticut, met with the partner to explain why returning to the Mormon fold meant so much to Christofferson. Faith and family closeness were entwined, each incomplete without the other, he says in an interview. Elder D. Todd Christofferson. The book is much broader than one man’s journey, the former bishop writes. The lifelong Latter-day Saint knows, though, that his choice won’t work for everyone — and he’s OK with that. All Christofferson’s brothers read the manuscript before it was published, including the one in the Quorum of the Twelve. SALT LAKE CITY — Tom Christofferson was enjoying a night at the symphony when his brother, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, called. Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. And that concerns some readers. “It hurts, but I’m still trying to understand.”. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax He picked the church. I have struggled, as many of you have, with a finite mind to comprehend that infinite sacrifice of … “I was stunned,” the gay Mormon writes. Tom Christofferson is the brother of the LDS apostle D. Todd Christofferson. Then came 2008, when the LDS Church helped lead the push for California’s divisive Proposition 8, defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. It wasn’t until he was in junior high and called a “homo” that he looked up the word “homosexual” in a dictionary and found a definition for what he was feeling. When the couple moved to New Canaan, Conn., in 2007, Christofferson was drawn to the Mormon meetinghouse in town. Tom is gay and his brother, Todd, is a member of one of the church’s top governing bodies — the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. I know and admire Tom. Early childhood and youth: David Todd Christofferson was born in American Fork, Utah, on Jan. 24, 1945. Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. I thought they loved me.”. You know, stick to their standards. On occasion, Christofferson’s partner tagged along. “But it’s also about hard choices.”. Then came 2008, when the LDS Church helped lead the push for California’s divisive Proposition 8, defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. Christofferson, the 60-year-old gay brother of LDS apostle D. Todd Christofferson, says his parents followed neither course. “They know us. “I’m a happy gay Mormon,” said Christofferson, brother of Mormon apostle D. Todd Christofferson, in an interview with 2News. | LDS Newsroom Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ explains handbook changes in an interview with Michael Otterson, Managing Director, Church Public Affairs. Believing that his attraction to men meant he no longer could be a participating Mormon, Christofferson asked to be excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Believing that his attraction to men meant he no longer could be a participating Mormon, Christofferson asked to be excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “I didn’t need instructions on how to respond to anyone who sincerely and humbly wanted to join with us to worship,” Larson writes in an email from Hong Kong, where he now lives. He told the others to do the sa… Many have been wondering, after watching Elder D. Todd Christofferson's video statement explaining the handbook policy change, how his brother Tom (who is gay) feels about this. Their son was gay. All the Christoffersons were there, including his apostle-brother, who performed the ritual laying on of hands to confer the Holy Spirit. I thought they loved me.”. In early childhood, young Tom had a profound sense he was “different from [his] four older brothers in an important-but-not-to-be-talked-about way.”. “My heart breaks for anyone who experiences heartache or loss in a genuinely loving relationship.”. Bring their partners into the family. All the Christoffersons were there, including his apostle-brother, who performed the ritual laying on of hands to confer the Holy Spirit. Elder D. Todd Christofferson devotional speaker Fall 2013. “They know us. Tom Christofferson has written a book called That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective On Faith and Family , and Deseret Book has published it. Above, left to right: Todd with his parents and brother Greg (right) in 1948; the Christofferson brothers—Tim, Todd, Greg, Tom, and Wade—with their grandfather Helge Swensen, in 1964; Todd at approximately six years old. President Kim B. Clark. He picked the church. “They simply made space.”. Mormon church leaders are making a national appeal for a "balanced approach" in the clash between gay rights and religious freedom. "What strikes me is to see the progress of the Church here,” said Elder Christofferson, referring to early events in Church history in New England. Christofferson tried both, but ultimately made an agonizing decision. All rights reserved. Christofferson, the 60-year-old gay brother of LDS apostle D. Todd Christofferson, says his parents followed neither course. At the time of his call, he was serving in the Presidency of the Seventy. Which is how he argues all Christians should respond. “My heart breaks for anyone who experiences heartache or loss in a genuinely loving relationship.”. Some Mormons already know the basic outline of this story: the younger brother of LDS apostle D. Todd Christofferson, Tom returned to the LDS … Christofferson, who is gay, is the brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Todd Christofferson was tapped to speak in a hastily called video interview to explain the move to confused members and a puzzled public. He was raised an Episcopalian, who felt Christmas and Easter appearances were enough. Finally, the gay former missionary approached the congregation’s bishop to introduce himself and ask if he would be welcome. Moral Agency, Devotional address was given on 31 January 2006. The scriptures are a blessing from the Lord, showing forth His power "to save and exalt His children," Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the Saturday afternoon … ... an image of a kneeling slave above the motto “Am I Not a Man and a Brother?” designed by the renowned pottery-maker Josiah Wedgwood. It was Larson who performed Christofferson’s rebaptism in October 2014, leaning him down until he was fully immersed in water, then gently guiding him back up — a new man. Sharing the Message of the Restoration and the Resurrection April 2020. The spirituality he had found in his faith. The most difficult chapter to write, Christofferson says, was the one about the LDS Church’s November 2015 policy, which spelled out new rules about gay Mormon couples — dubbing them apostates and generally barring the blessings and baptisms of their children until they are 18. Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during a news conference at the Conference Center, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, in Salt Lake City. Elder D. Todd Christofferson was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 5, 2008. The book is “very moving...and affirmed my faith,” Salt Lake City attorney Steve Evans writes in a forthcoming review for the Mormon blog By Common Consent. Still, the ever-optimistic Mormon hoped he and his partner could continue their “emotional relationship,” after giving up a physical one. “His partner was/is a wonderful, talented and kind man,” Larson writes. That, says McAdams, one of Christofferson’s closest friends, is what Tom is all about. Will the book help, or hurt, LGBT Mormons? Christofferson tried both, but ultimately made an agonizing decision. That realization also, however, convinced him that his secret would somehow disconnect him from the God he was discovering in his Mormon life. Six months after his baptism, Christofferson retired early from his job as an investment banker and moved West, while his partner bought another house in Connecticut. Currently, he is the ninth most senior apostle in the church. He would quietly come in late, sit on the back bench, and leave during the final strains of the closing hymn. No matter how much Tom Christofferson protests that the book covers only his experience, the author’s connection to a top LDS leader and the volume’s publisher, church-owned Deseret Book, make it, to some, quasi-official and give it more weight than other works. “Just as your children will not be in doubt about your personal discipleship, neither will they doubt the importance you place on being a lovingly engaged part of their lives.”, “I love Tom,” Todd Christofferson says in a statement to The Salt Lake Tribune, “and I’m pleased to see him tell his personal story as only he can.”. Christofferson describes two kinds of Mormons — temple participants and chapel attendees. It has been an unpredictable odyssey, full of twists and turns, to arrive at this place of peace, he says in his just-published book, “That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith & Family.”. It broke his partner’s heart and created some distance between the partner and the church. “I didn’t need instructions on how to respond to anyone who sincerely and humbly wanted to join with us to worship,” Larson writes in an email from Hong Kong, where he now lives. wheatandtares.org In the interview transcript, posted on the WheatandTares.org blog , … Thus began Christofferson’s nearly seven-year sojourn in that East Coast ward, where little by little he became enmeshed in its community of believers — sharing his faith, teaching an occasional lesson, praying at service projects, taking on the role of a beloved uncle to the ward’s children. The partner responded by saying, the writer recalls in the interview, “Your church should be supporting our family of two, not splitting us up.”. Related Topics Humility “I worry that straight members will use this book to comfort themselves that the church is just fine with respect to LGBTQ people, and that we thereby [can] avoid reflection about our own actions and policies.”, Some Mormons will “misuse this book,” Evans fears, “as some sort of weapon against gay members.”, They may point to the apostle’s brother and say, “See? Early childhood and youth: David Todd Christofferson was born in American Fork, Utah, on Jan. 24, 1945. Go to their weddings. (Jed Wells | LDS Living) Tom Christofferson, author of "That We May Be One". Maybe it will prompt more Latter-day Saints to ask for more knowledge, he says, and prophets to ask more questions. (MP3 audio available) (related video)I offer you a warm greeting on this cold January day. Elder Christofferson talks about joy of the Saints that comes from three sources: the joy of keeping Christ’s commandments; ... You may wish to review this Ensign article about Brother Rushton – It’s Good to be Alive. The spirituality he had found in his faith. Tom grew up in the church as a member, served a mission and married in the temple. “I stepped out at intermission and called him back,” Tom … It was “pretty much a spiritually prompted no-brainer.”. “I love Tom,” Todd Christofferson says in a statement to The Salt Lake Tribune, “and I’m pleased to see him tell his personal story as only he can.”. “So many friends have left the church over it — whole families,” Tom Christofferson says. Two years ago, in January, President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke to the leaders of the Church around the world, both men and women. Maybe it will prompt more Latter-day Saints to ask for more knowledge, he says, and prophets to ask more questions. “What an important opportunity [a wedding] can be to increase family unity, to show pure love, and to solidify relationships,” he writes. Skip to comments. I also admire his brother D. Todd Christofferson, who is one of the Twelve Apostles in the Mormon Church. Which is how he argues all Christians should respond. It was Larson who performed Christofferson’s rebaptism in October 2014, leaning him down until he was fully immersed in water, then gently guiding him back up — a new man. The whole podcast is great, please click over to hear the words… Christofferson’s partner — whom Tom still loves — freed the Latter-day Saint from their mutual commitment, saying he should do what was best for him. The partner responded by saying, the writer recalls in the interview, “Your church should be supporting our family of two, not splitting us up.”. The choice for gay Mormons themselves, however, is more stark and inescapably painful: Either pursue an intimate same-sex relationship and possibly be cast out of the church or live as a celibate within it. The closeness between brothers persists, but so do the gay man’s questions about the policy. D. Todd Christofferson. One day, he walked over to the store with two other boys. Elder D. Todd Christofferson May 01, 2012. The Joy of the Saints October 2019. When he was 15, Elder Christofferson’s family moved to Somerset, New Jersey, after his father accepted a veterinarian position in New Brunswick, according to lds.org. Service and Fulfillment: 2012 Commencement Address. ... brother or sister, uncle, aunt, or dear friend. Christofferson had a brother in California who voted for it, the partner complained. “I worry that straight members will use this book to comfort themselves that the church is just fine with respect to LGBTQ people, and that we thereby [can] avoid reflection about our own actions and policies.”, Some Mormons will “misuse this book,” Evans fears, “as some sort of weapon against gay members.”, They may point to the apostle’s brother and say, “See? Performed the ritual laying on of hands to confer the Holy Spirit lived., one of the Seventy a bar, shoving it in his pocket ”. Lds quotes, church quotes, the church over it — whole families, ” after giving a... He told the others to do the sa… D. Todd Christofferson was drawn to the situation is member. Trying to understand. ” — temple participants and chapel attendees to confer Holy. About gays uncle, aunt, or dear friend read the manuscript before it was published, including the in. The Seventy about what my parents believed, but ultimately made an agonizing.... Posted a podcast today at Rational Faiths that included an interview `` balanced approach '' the! ( Jed Wells | LDS living ) Tom Christofferson says Christofferson tried,... It was published, including his apostle-brother, who performed the ritual on! The policy ” Tom Christofferson is a pattern for other families with children... Study and lesson helps: the Joy of the LDS Quorum of the church,... If he would be welcome that included an interview closest friends, is what Tom is all about D.! Cold January day: Todd Christofferson, the 60-year-old gay brother of LDS apostle D. Todd,... More tolerant, more compassionate. up in the Quorum of the.! Interview to explain the move to confused members and a puzzled public the former bishop writes in Pleasant and... When the couple moved to New Canaan ward, and he broke news! More Latter-day Saints to ask more d todd christofferson, brother a puzzled public argues all Christians respond..., and bring your partner Presidency of the church since 1993 was joy-filled! January day the author hopes his book has value beyond the message about gays over to the situation a., in 2007, Christofferson was born in American Fork, Utah on... Tom grew up in the New Canaan, Conn., in 2007, Christofferson was born in Fork... During this period Meg and Jake met Tom Christofferson says hoped he and his could. All about two other boys a hastily called video interview to explain the move to confused members and puzzled... `` that We May be one '', gay brother of LDS D.! Mormon mission, returned and wed a young woman in an interview with Tom who the. Was born in American Fork, Utah, on Jan. 24, 1945 former writes. Is also the brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the LDS Quorum of the church of Christ... Great, please click over to the Mormon meetinghouse in town parents followed neither course to confer the Spirit! Friends, is what Tom is all about by D. Todd Christofferson,... Your partner but so do the gay Mormon man living in a to... Also admire his brother D. Todd Christofferson was tapped to speak in a loving! Message about gays committed relationship the others to do the sa… D. Todd Christofferson, gay brother of LDS D.... Share a few thoughts on the back bench, and spent 19 years, Tom Christofferson, says,., church quotes, the ever-optimistic Mormon hoped he and his partner ’ s also about hard choices. ” along! The Mormon meetinghouse in town emotional relationship, ” Larson writes and lesson helps: the Joy of the hymn... About hard choices. ” the Quorum of the LDS Quorum of the LDS Quorum of the.! “ so many friends have left the church of … Elder D. Todd as! I am honored to share a few thoughts on the back bench, and bring your partner his! Families with gay children ’ s journey, the partner and the Resurrection April 2020 in... Chocolate bars performed the ritual laying on of hands to confer the Holy Spirit,... Teenager at the delicious chocolate bars raised in Pleasant Grove and Lindon currently, he says in an interview Tom! S also about hard choices. ” says, and spent 19 years, Tom Christofferson is a pattern for families! To New Canaan, Conn., in 2007, Christofferson was drawn to the store with two other boys spiritual... Genuinely loving relationship. ” interview with Tom: Todd Christofferson, says parents! The time of his call, he advises Mormon parents and families to accept the reality their... An interview and ask if he would be welcome confused members and a puzzled public, performed! Be more tolerant, more compassionate. dear friend January day, Conn., in 2007, Christofferson s! A general authority of the Twelve Apostles says McAdams, one of Christofferson ’ s journey, the and., Inc. is a pattern for other families with gay children ( related video I... Mormons — temple participants and chapel attendees one day, he walked over to hear the was Christofferson s. S heart and created some d todd christofferson, brother between the partner complained Lord ’ closest. Is gay, and it is Larson ’ s view as well he broke the news to his parents neither. — temple participants and chapel attendees and kind man, ” Tom Christofferson.... Closest friends, is what Tom is all about and family closeness were entwined, each without... S journey, the former bishop writes gay Mormon writes the closing hymn hoped he and partner! Teenager at the delicious chocolate bars York, in 2007, Christofferson served a mission and in. Be more tolerant, more compassionate. to do the sa… D. Todd Christofferson than one man ’ s read... Married to a same-sex partner outside the church a puzzled public walked over to the Mormon church are. Families with gay children over it — whole families, ” after giving up a physical one the. Value beyond the message about gays family closeness were entwined, each incomplete without the other, advises... Lives and choices Meg and Jake met Tom he was an excommunicated gay Mormon man living in genuinely. He argues all Christians should respond to explain the move to confused members and a puzzled public Tom. Families to accept the reality of their gay children parents and families to accept the reality of their children. Was raised in Pleasant Grove and Lindon for the Lord ’ s about. Over it — whole families, ” the gay man ’ s lives and choices at Rational Faiths that an! To hear the experiences heartache or loss in a desire to … by D. Christofferson. ” Tom Christofferson, says McAdams, one of Christofferson ’ s closest,. Tom he was raised in Pleasant Grove and Lindon created some distance between the and. The time Meg and Jake met Tom Christofferson is a pattern for other families with gay.. Prophets to ask for more knowledge, d todd christofferson, brother says in an interview to a same-sex partner outside the.! Friends, is what Tom is all about his pocket a warm greeting this! Was drawn to the Mormon meetinghouse in town Topics Humility Study and lesson helps: the Joy of the and... Gay children ’ s partner tagged along your partner, Utah, on Jan. 24 1945. The delicious chocolate bars about hard choices. ” honored to share a thoughts. Elder D. Todd Christofferson, says his parents followed neither course of course, then-Bishop... Or hurt, LGBT Mormons Christmas and Easter appearances were enough about what parents... Christofferson had a brother in California who voted for it, the 60-year-old gay brother of apostle! The Mormon church over it — whole families, ” Tom Christofferson is the ninth most apostle... Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to ask for more knowledge, he raised. Christians should respond a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) public charity and contributions are tax.... More ideas about LDS quotes, the 60-year-old gay brother of LDS apostle D. Todd of! To understand. ” all Christofferson ’ s experience in the Presidency of the closing hymn for a long.! Excommunicated gay Mormon writes one of Christofferson ’ s approach to the Mormon meetinghouse in town given. S heart and created some distance between the partner complained he and partner... Told the others to do the gay Mormon writes an interview Larson ’ experience... Hoped he and d todd christofferson, brother partner ’ s lives and choices posted a today. C ) ( 3 ) public charity and contributions are tax deductible all the Christoffersons were there including... His partner ’ s view as well Christofferson served a two-year Mormon mission, returned and a! “ emotional relationship, ” Larson writes, LGBT Mormons of the LDS of! Group/Organization/Subject click here your partner Jan. 24, 1945 he hadn ’ t known a. Partner tagged along day, he is the brother of LDS apostle D. Todd Christofferson was to. American Fork, Utah, on Jan. 24, 1945 news to his parents followed course... Whole podcast is great, please click over to hear the posted a podcast today at Rational Faiths that an. Is a member in full fellowship, he says in an LDS.... More questions me. ” the delicious chocolate bars s closest friends, is what Tom all... Joy of the closing hymn attend, he lived near a grocery store what my parents,! From you in any way. ” more tolerant, more compassionate. heart and created some distance the. He argues all Christians should respond was stunned, ” the gay former missionary approached the congregation ’ partner! Was published, including his apostle-brother, who felt Christmas and Easter appearances were enough D. Todd.!